Forget Real Estate Investments, Buy REITs!

With the markets tumbling, real estate investments are looking more and more attractive. However, REITs might be a better option for some passive-income investors.

| More on:

With the stock market crashing and interest rates tumbling, now seems to be as good a time as any for real estate investments.

However, investing in real estate isn’t the only method of generating passive income — buying REITs is just as good, or better, depending on the investor.

Real estate investments

Of course, there’s no denying the earnings potential of a good real estate investment.

In theory, you simply front the down payment, charge more for rent than you pay for the mortgage, pocket the difference and eventually sell the house for much more than you bought it for.

However, there are a lot of finer details and things that can go wrong along the way.

For one, you have to be able to afford the down payment. Even if the housing market cools with a recession, a 20% down payment is still going to be at least $50,000-100,000 — depending on the area of course. This hurdle can take a lot of investors out of the running right away.

Now, even with the down payment covered, there can be a lot of issues surrounding renting the property out. Staging and showing the place, carrying out repairs, footing bills, property tax, and so on and so forth. These things simply eat away at your time and your bottom line.

So, in order to avoid these types of issues, REITs can be preferable to traditional real estate investments.

Advantages of a REIT

REITs generally don’t require a minimum investment, as they trade just like a stock. So, you needn’t worry about being able to put six figures down from the onset.

As well, when you buy into a REIT, you’re not going to be directly managing any property. You won’t be responsible for going out and fixing a busted fridge or finding a new tenant.

You simply invest your money with the REIT and they take care of all of that.

Disadvantages of a REIT

Obviously, you don’t have control over the properties the company chooses to buy. It’s therefore important to choose REITs that align with your investment philosophy from the beginning.

As well, you generally aren’t going to make a ton of money on your principal investment with a REIT. While the monthly income you can generate is quite substantial, REITs tend to just bounce around in price rather than outright grow over time.

So, come time to sell, you’ll more or less be getting your principal investment back, whereas someone making a real estate investment will generally sell for more than they bought for.

Choosing a REIT

Choice Properties REIT (TSX:CHP.UN) is Canada’s largest REIT and has over $16 billion in assets under management.

Most of its real estate investments are in the retail space, with a small but growing portfolio of other properties.

While its main focus is not on residential, but rather retail property, Choice is still well positioned to succeed in the near term.

This is because its retail locations are anchored by Loblaw, Canada’s largest grocer. Thus, Choice’s income and stability should be secured as Loblaw should continue to perform well as a vital service provider for Canadians.

Currently, Choice is trading at $12.87 and yielding 5.75%. At that yield, an investment of $20,000 would generate $100 a month in passive income.

Real estate investment strategy

Before making a real estate investment, consider whether it’s the best action for your situation. Under some circumstances, investing in a REIT can be a far better option.

As far as REITs go, Choice is one of the most stable options for Canadians, as its anchored by its main tenant, grocery giant Loblaw.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Jared Seguin has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

If you want consistent income, look to consistent dividend payers. These three stocks are some of the best in the…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Want a 6% Average Yield? 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These stocks pay good dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

Is Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock a Buy for its 0.9% Dividend Yield?

Couche-Tard stock's small yield is not enticing, but its growth potential could be a wealth creator.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

5.2% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades!

With its 5.2% dividend yield, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) is a stock I'm eagerly buying.

Read more »